ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
President's Secretariat
Envoys of Five Nations Present Credentials to President of India through Video Conference
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, accepted credentials from Ambassadors/High Commissioners of Iceland, Republic of The Gambia, Spain, Brunei Darussalam and Democratic Republic of Sri Lanka today  in a virtual ceremony. Those who presented their credentials were:
1. H.E. Mr. Gudni Bragason, Ambassador of Iceland
2. H.E. Mr. Mustapha Jawara, High Commissioner of the Republic of The Gambia
3. H.E. Mr. Jose Maria Ridao Dominguez, Ambassador of Spain
4. H.E. Mr. Dato Alaihuddin Mohamad Taha, High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam
5. H.E. Mr. Asoka Milinda Moragoda, High Commissioner of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
Speaking on the occasion, the President congratulated the envoys on their appointment and conveyed his good wishes to them for a successful tenure in India. He noted that India enjoyed close ties with all the countries represented and shared a common vision of peace and prosperity.
President Kovind reiterated that India has been at the forefront in the global efforts to forge a decisive and coordinated response to the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure collective health and economic well-being. He further stated that under the world’s largest vaccination campaign, Indians have received more than 800 million doses so far.
President Kovind added that India’s engagement at the United Nations and other multilateral fora have resulted in mutually beneficial partnership. India remains committed to a just and equitable global order, keeping in mind interests of the developing countries and under-represented.
Ambassadors/High Commissioners conveyed good wishes to the Hon’ble President on behalf of their leaderships and reiterated the commitment of their leaders to work closely to strengthen their ties with India.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
49% increase in Wheat procurement for ongoing RMS 2021-22 in comparison to corresponding period of last year
Total 323.67 LMT Wheat procured on MSP from around 32.21 Lakh farmers
Around 727.41LMTs paddy procured on MSP for ongoing KMS 2020-21 and RMS benefitting 109.09 Lakh farmers
Government through its Nodal Agencies procured 6,41,251.32MT of Pulses and Oilseeds on MSP benefitting 3,98,877 farmers
Procurement of Wheat in ongoing RMS2021-22 is continuing smoothly in the procuring States of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan,Uttarakhand, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir and Bihar at MSP, as was done in previous seasons, and till now  a quantity of over 323.67 LMT of Wheat has been procured against the last year corresponding purchase of 216.01 LMT. About32.21Lakh farmers have already been benefitted from the ongoing RMS procurement operations with MSP value of Rs. 63,924.56Crore.
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Paddy procurement in the ongoing seasonKharif 2020-21 is continuing smoothly in the procuring States with purchase of over 727.41 LMTs of paddy upto06.05.2021against the last year corresponding purchase of 671.71 LMT. About 109.09 Lakh farmers have already been benefitted from the ongoing KMS procurement Operations with MSP value of Rs. 1,37,334.89Crore.
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Further, based on the proposal from the States, approval was accorded for procurement of 107.31 LMT of Pulse and Oilseeds of Kharif Marketing Season 2020-21 & Rabi Marketing Season 2021 for the States of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, Gujarat, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh under Price Support Scheme . The sanction for procurement of 1.74 LMT of Copra  for the States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala was also given. For other States/UTs approval will also be accorded on receipt of proposals for procurement of Pulses, Oilseeds and Copra under PSS so that procurement of FAQ grade of these crops can be made at notified MSP for the year 2020-21 directly from the registered farmers, if the market rate goes below MSP during the notified harvesting period in the respective States/UTs by the Central Nodal Agencies through State nominated procuring agencies.
Upto 06.05.2021, the Government through its Nodal Agencies has procured 6,41,251.32 MT of Moong, Urad, Tur, Gram, Masoor, Groundnut Pods, Mustard Seed and Soyabean having MSP value of Rs. 3,358.97 Crores benefitting 3,98,877 farmers in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Haryana and Rajasthan under Kharif 2020-21 & Rabi 2021.
Similarly, 5089 MT of copra  having MSP value of Rs.52.40 crore has been procured benefitting 3961 farmers in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu upto 06.05.2021. The respective State/UTs Governments are making necessary arrangements for commencement of procurement from the date as decided by the respective States based on the arrivals of Pulses and Oilseeds.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Initiation of Disciplinary Proceedings against Four Officers of Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi  for Dereliction of Duty regarding containment of spread of COVID-19
It has been brought to the notice of the competent authority that the following officers, who were responsible to ensure strict compliance to the instructions issued by Chairperson, National Executive Committee, formed under Disaster Managment Act 2005 regarding containment of spread of COVID-19, have prima facie failed to do so.
These officers have failed to ensure public health and safety during the lockdown restrictions to combat COVID-19. Due to the serious lapse in performance of their duties, the competent authority has initiated disciplinary proceedings against the following officers:
- Additional Chief Secretary, Transport Department, GNCTD - Suspended with immediate effect.
- Additional Chief Secretary, Home and Land Buildings Departments, GNCTD - Show Cause Notice.
- Principal Secretary, Finance, GNCTD & Divisional Commissioner, GNCTD - Suspended with immediate effect.
- SDM Seelampur - Show Cause Notice.
PIB Headquarters
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY: ROUND TABLE CONFERENCE ORGANISED IN CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF KERALA
Dr. A. Radhakrishnan Nair, Registrar, Central University of Kerala inaugurates a round table conference organies in connection with International Women’s Day celebrations at Central University of Kerala
Centre for Women’s Studies, Central University of Kerala conducted a round table conference on ‘Health and Nutrition in the context of Women Empowerment’ as part of International Women’s Day celebrations. Dr. A. Radhakrishnan Nair, Registrar, Central University of Kerala inaugurated the conference. Women empowerment is complete only when women can take independent decisions and those decisions are respected, he said. Two sessions were held on the topics ‘Nutrition and Women’s Health in India’ and ‘Role of Health & Development in Women Empowerment and Ayushman Bharat’.
Dr. K. R. Thankappan, Professor, Dept. of Public Health & Community Medicine, Central University of Kerala presided over the session. Dr. Supriya P, Coordinator, Centre for Women’s Studies, CU Kerala and Dr. Laxmi P., Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work, CU Kerala spoke on the occasion. The participants in the round table include Dr. Srini V. Kaveri, Director of Research, French National Center for Scientific Research, Paris, Dr. Geeta Rai, Professor, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Dr. Asha B. Pillai, Batchelor Children’s Research Institute, University of Miami Health System, USA, Dr. Neelofar Illiaskutty, Chief Technical Officer, Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Kasaragod, Dr. Shanty K. K., Deputy DMO, District Medical Office, Kanhangad, Prof. Satheesh C Raghavan, IISC Bengaluru, Dr. Bhavani S Shankar, BARC Mumbai, Dr. Adarsh, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Surgical Oncology, Malabar Cancer Centre, Thalassery, Dr. Elezebeth Mathews, Assistant Professor & Head, Dept. of Public Health & Community Medicine, CU Kerala, Dr. Prakash Babu Kodali, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Public Health & Community Medicine, CU Kerala and Dr. Ashalekshmi BS, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Public Administration & Policy Studies, CU Kerala.
RRTN/IE/BSN 
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PIB Headquarters
Special Passport Mela at Vellore
In order to meet the public demand and to facilitate submission of applications for the frequent travellers due to extended time in getting appointments, Regional Passport Office, Chennai will be holding ‘Special Passport Mela’ on Saturday the 09th February 2019 at Post Office Passport Seva Kendra , Vellore.
The appointments will be released on 6th February  at 1430 hrs for the mela to take place on Saturday, 09th February 2019.
Post Office Passport Seva Kendra, at Vellore will function on Saturday the 09th February 2019 like any other normal working day and accept applications as per time slots allotted to the applicants. Approximately 70 applicants are expected to be benefitted from this Mela.
To participate in the Passport Mela, all applicants have to log on to the official websit ‘www.passportindia.gov.in’, register on-line, generate ‘ARN’ , and pay online fees and then take appointment. Applicants participating in the mela should bring the print-out of ARN with appointment details, to the POPSK along with the requisite documents in originals, plus one set of self attested photocopies. Applications under Fresh and Re-issue categories only will be accepted.
On the day of mela, applications will be accepted only as per the time slot allotted to them. Applications for PCCs, Walk-ins including On-Hold and Refused Tokens will not be entertained during the Mela.
Ministry of Minority Affairs
Students Benefited Under NSS
The Ministry of Minority Affairs implements Free Coaching and Allied Scheme  to assist students/candidates belonging to the six notified minority communities namely Sikh, Jain, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist and Parsi by way of special coaching for qualifying examinations for admission in technical/professional courses and competitive examination for recruitment to Group Á, ‘B’, & ‘C’ services and other equivalent posts under the Central and State Governments including public sector undertakings, banks, insurance companies as well as autonomous bodies. The scheme is implemented across the country through project implementing agencies / Non-Government Organizations .
During last four years , total 36,839 students/candidates from six notified minority communities have benefitted under the Scheme. The State-wise details of number of students benefitted during last four years are at Annexure. Religion-wise data of the beneficiaries is not maintained under this scheme.
Since inception, an amount of Rs. 344.24 crore has been utilized for implementation of Scheme.
The Naya Savera Scheme is implemented for the welfare of the students/candidates from economically weaker section  of the minority communities having annual family income less than Rs 6 lacs, and no separate categorization has been provided for urban or rural zones. 30% seats are earmarked for minority girl students.
Annexure
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State-wise details of students of minority communities benefitted under the Naya Savera Scheme  of Government during last four years 
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States / UTs
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No. of students
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Andhra Pradesh
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1560
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Assam
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150
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Bihar
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200
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Chandigarh
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540
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Chhattisgarh
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300
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Delhi
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1023
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Gujarat
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1968
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Haryana
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860
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Jammu and Kashmir
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640
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Jharkhand
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360
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Karnataka
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4718
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Kerala
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1930
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Madhya Pradesh
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2195
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Maharashtra
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3930
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Manipur
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350
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Meghalaya
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410
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Punjab
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1400
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Rajasthan
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1330
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Tamil Nadu
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850
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Telangana
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1750
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Uttar Pradesh
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8345
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West Bengal
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2030
This information was given by the Union Minister for Minority Affairs Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
PM attends All India Conference of Director Generals/ Inspector Generals of Police
PM suggests making police forces more sensitive and training them in emerging technologies
PM emphasises on importance of National Data Governance Framework for smoothening of data exchange across agencies
PM emphasises on enhanced cooperation between state police and central agencies
PM recommends repealing obsolete criminal laws; also suggests prison reforms
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi attended the 57th All-India Conference of Director Generals/ Inspector Generals of Police on 21st and 22nd January in New Delhi.
Prime Minister suggested making the police forces more sensitive and training them in emerging technologies. He emphasised on the importance of National Data Governance Framework for smoothening of data exchange across agencies. Prime Minister suggested that while we should further leverage technological solutions like biometrics etc., there is also a need to further strengthen traditional policing mechanisms like foot patrols etc. He recommended repealing obsolete criminal laws and building standards for police organisations across states. He suggested prison reforms to improve jail management. He also discussed strengthening of border as well as coastal security by organising frequent visits of officials.
Prime Minister emphasised on enhanced cooperation between state police and central agencies to leverage capabilities and share best practices. He suggested replicating the model of the DGsP / IGsP Conference at the state/district levels for discussing emerging challenges and evolving best practices among their teams.
The Conference was concluded after Prime Minister distributed Police Medals for Distinguished Services.
The Conference covered various aspects of policing and national security, including Counter Terrorism, Counter Insurgency and Cyber Security. Union Home Minister, Ministers for State for Home, National Security Advisor, Union Home Secretary, DGsP/IGsP of States/UTs and Heads of the Central Police Organisations/Central Armed Police Forces were also present in the Conference. Around 600 more officers of various levels attended the Conference virtually from States/UTs.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
NHAI to Explore Use of Phosphor-Gypsum in National Highway Construction
Keeping its commitment to encourage use of waste material to build ecologically sustainable National Highway Infrastructure, NHAI along with Department of Fertilizers, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers is going to take up field trials on NHAI projects for use of Phosphor-Gypsum in National Highway construction to achieve a circular economy in the use of Gypsum.
Phosphor-Gypsum is a by-product of fertilizer production. An Indian fertilizer company has constructed a road using Phosphor-Gypsum. The road was evaluated by Central Road Research Institute  and based on their report, the Indian Road Congress  has accredited neutralized Phosphor-Gypsum waste material for road construction for a period of three years.
The fertilizer company and CRRI have been asked to take up field trials on an NHAI project to evaluate performance of Phosphor-Gypsum on a National Highway and to generate confidence among various stakeholders on use of Phosphor-Gypsum waste material in Highway construction.
NHAI is also encouraging use of waste plastic in road construction, which has already been tested very successfully. Studies have established that roads built using plastic waste are durable, sustainable and increases life of the bitumen. Construction of one kilometre of 4-lane highway helps in disposal of approximately seven tons of plastic waste.
Similarly, NHAI has used ‘Fly Ash’ - fine residue of coal combustion in the Thermal Power Plants  for construction of Highways and flyover embankments. The 135 km long, six lane ‘Eastern Peripheral Expressway’, used 1.2 crore cubic meter of fly-ash in its construction.
NHAI has been encouraging the innovative use of new materials and is focused on reducing the carbon footprint, enhancing durability and making construction more economical.
Ministry of Finance
Income Tax Searches in Tamil Nadu net more than Rs 700 crore
The Income Tax Department conducted a search and seizure operation on 06.08.2019 in the case of one of the major producers of beer and IMFL in Tamil Nadu. The search action was launched in the early hours of Tuesday at 55 premises in various places in Tamil Nadu including Chennai, Coimbatore, Thanjavur, etc and also in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Goa. The premises included residences of the promoters, key employees and some of the suppliers of materials.
The search action was based on intelligence gathered over several months that the business group was indulging in large scale tax evasion by inflating its expenditure on materials used in its production processes. During the search action, the search teams found telltale evidence of the modus operandi of the group. The modus operandi involved over-invoicing of purchase of raw materials and bottles which constituted a major portion of the cost of production. The suppliers received payment at the inflated value by cheque or RTGS, but paid back the excess value in cash to key confidante employees of the group. The search teams gathered evidence of such over-invoicing and return of cash by suppliers. Such inflation by over invoicing amounted to suppression of taxable income of almost Rs 400 crore over a period of six years.
The search also resulted in unearthing of evidence of similar tax evasion by another leading business group in the same liquor industry. Consequently, the Department launched search operation in the case of the second group also on 09.08.2019. About seven premises of this group at Chennai and Karaikal were covered in the second phase of the search operation. The search is still in progress and the suppression of taxable income detected in this group has been estimated to be about Rs 300 crore.
Based on a tip off during the search action, the tax officers tracked down employees moving with unaccounted cash and intercepted them and recovered Rs 4.5 crore cash from the car in which they had concealed it. The search action has thus far resulted in detection of undisclosed income of Rs 700 crore which had not been disclosed for taxation.
Ministry of Development of North-East Region
Meeting Between UNDP Global Head Mr. Achim Steiner and Doner Minister, Shri. G Kishan Reddy
Mr. Achim Steiner, Global Head, United Nations Development Programme  today called on Minister of Development of North Eastern Region, Tourism and Culture, Shri G. Kishan Reddy and Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region, Shri B.L. Verma, held discussions on strengthening and expanding the partnership with UNDP and ensuring holistic development of the North East Region.
Welcoming the UNDP delegation led by Mr. Steiner, Shri. Reddy appreciated the sustained partnership between MDoNER and UNDP and said, “Under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Ministry is committed to act first and act fast for the Region so that it may enjoy growth parity with the rest of the country. Support provided by UNDP has been instrumental in promoting data-driven decision-making, including through the first North East Region District SDG Index. Our Ministry is committed to ensure that SDGs are achieved for all in the region”.
During the meeting, Mr. Steiner appreciated the Government of India's efforts towards fast-tracking the development of the North Eastern Region. He said, "UNDP is committed to support national efforts to achieve the SDGs by providing technical support on SDG localisation, and capacity development for improved implementation and monitoring of development programmes.”
He further indicated that MDoNER and UNDP should work closely to improve communities' lives and livelihoods by providing access to employment and sustainable livelihood opportunities through scalable technological and innovative solutions.
Mr. Achim Steiner and Shri G. Kishan Reddy also agreed to work towards an MoU for expanding the scope of the partnership for accelerated socio-economic development of the north east region and accelerated progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals .
Prime Minister's Office
PM expresses happiness over Srinagar joins UNESCO Creative Cities Network 
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed happiness over Srinagar joining the UNESCO Creative Cities Network  with a special mention for its craft and folk art.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said;
"Delighted that beautiful Srinagar joins the @UNESCO Creative Cities Network  with a special mention for its craft and folk art. It is a fitting recognition for the vibrant cultural ethos of Srinagar. Congratulations to the people of Jammu and Kashmir."
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
34917 MT of Wheat procured in RMS 2022-23 
3510 farmers benefitted in RMS 2022-23 with MSP value of Rs. 70.36 crore
750.29 LMT of Paddy procured in KMS 2021-22 
108.01 Lakh farmers benefitted in KMS 2021-22 with MSP value of Rs. 1,47,055.95 crore
Procurement of wheat has recently commenced in Rabi Marketing Season 2022-23 in the States of Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. A quantity of 34917 MT of wheat has been procured upto 03.04.2022 benefitting 3510 farmers with MSP value of Rs. 70.36 crore.
The paddy procurement is progressing smoothly in Kharif Marketing Season  2021-22 at MSP from farmers.
A quantity of 750.29 LMT of Paddy has been procured in KMS 2021-22 upto 03.04.2022 in procuring States/UTs.
Till now about 108.01 Lakh farmers have been benefitted with MSP value of Rs. 1,47,055.95 crore.
Wheat Procurement in RMS 2022-23 /
As on 04.04.2022
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State/UT
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Quantity of wheat Procurement 
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No of farmers benefitted
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MSP value 
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PUNJAB
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63
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22
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0.13
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HARYANA
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14914
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968
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30.05
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Uttar Pradesh
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6
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4
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0.01
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Madhya Pradesh
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19934
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2516
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40.17
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ALL INDIA TOTAL
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34917
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3510
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70.36
State-wise Paddy Procurement in KMS 2021-22
/As on 04.04.2022
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State/UT
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Quantity of Paddy Procurement 
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No of farmers benefitted
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MSP value 
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Andhra Pradesh
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4050832
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608830
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7939.63
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Telangana
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6866000
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1062428
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13457.36
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Assam
|
|
143342
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|
19056
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280.95
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Bihar
|
|
4490319
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642225
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8801.03
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Chandigarh
|
|
27286
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1956
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53.48
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Chhattisgarh
|
|
9201000
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2105972
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18033.96
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Gujarat
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|
121865
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|
25081
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238.86
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Haryana
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|
5530596
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310083
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10839.97
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Himachal Pradesh
|
|
27628
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|
5851
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54.15
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Jharkhand
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|
684876
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|
128768
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1342.36
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Jammu & Kashmir
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|
40520
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|
8724
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79.42
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Karnataka
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|
217220
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|
72714
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|
425.75
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Kerala
|
|
334934
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|
130774
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656.47
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Madhya Pradesh
|
|
4582610
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|
661756
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8981.92
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Maharashtra
|
|
1337891
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|
471438
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2622.27
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Odisha
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|
5724195
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1293540
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11219.42
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Puducherry
|
|
334
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|
67
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|
0.66
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Punjab
|
|
18728335
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933263
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36707.54
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NEF 
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31250
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14575
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61.25
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Tamil Nadu
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2970440
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426641
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5822.06
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Uttar Pradesh
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6553029
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947326
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12843.94
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Uttrakhand
|
|
1156066
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56034
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2265.89
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West Bengal
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|
2200620
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872889
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4313.22
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Rajasthan
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7357
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563
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14.42
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Total
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75028546
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10800554
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147055.95
AM/NS
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